Other Correspondence

Rottnest Island Draft Management Plan 2002

Introduction to Marine Zoning Comments

It is difficult to know where to start with respect to commenting on the proposals to create or extend sanctuary zones in the RIA marine area. Quite simply, Recfishwest has never yet received such an incompetent set of proposals for changes that would so greatly affect such a large number of users.

The arguments provided for both the size and the locations of the proposals are weak or non-existent, unsupported by any directly referenced research data, and contain no credible rationale that would demonstrate the utility of alienating large areas of the 'zone' from a significant number of users and user groups. Furthermore the proposals did not result from consultation with stakeholders or with any of the sources of expertise available in WA on marine zoning.

The draft Plan greatly suffers from a lack of strategic direction in respect of the rationale for sanctuary zoning other than the broad 'front end of document' platitudes about sustainability. We would like to know what are the strategic directions for the Rottnest marine environment. What are the objectives for the zones in terms of marine conservation, which we doubt, or dive and snorkelling sites?

For all of the above reasons Recfishwest is utterly opposed to the sanctuary reservation proposals contained in the draft Plan.

We understand that the Authority has not yet undertaken any benchmark environmental studies on the existing suite of sanctuary zones. Such studies may have led to clear directions for further zoning and may have led client groups to conclude that the Authority could adequately manage a larger suite of no-take zones.

Recfishwest hastens to observe that the foregoing should in no way be construed to imply that Recfishwest is against marine reservation per se. To the contrary; we have over the past few years, received numerous requests for comment regarding marine reservation, primarily under the provisions of Fisheries or Conservation and Land Management legislation. We have supported many of these proposals or have been able to give considered reasons as to why we were unable to so do. These include various large areas in the proposed Jurien, Barrow Island and Montebellos, and Dampier Archipelago Marine Parks as well as smaller areas such as for Lancelin Island Lagoon.

We have been able to provide such support and commentary because the proponent agencies or community groups invariably have presented a comprehensive set of supporting data or argument augmented by extensive community consultation processes, with a view to building a broad consensus.

Your attention is particularly drawn to State Government policy as expressed in Fisheries Management Paper 152 - Guidelines for the Establishment of a Fish Habitat Protection Area, and Marine Conservation Reserves - Initial Management Planning and Reservation Process (A Guide).

Recfishwest Policy on No-take Zones
Relevant Recfishwest policy on creating 'no take' zones is as follows, to be read together with a broader discussion paper as attached:

• Recfishwest is concerned at the potential for cumulative loss of recreational access to waters either currently utilised by recreational fishers or for areas that may be utilised in the future.


• However, Recfishwest also recognises that there are some justifications for the creation of marine reserves and no-take zones and that there will be situations in which these will outweigh the attendant consequential loss of amenity which may fall on recreational fishers.


• In general Recfishwest will support proposals for marine reservation and no-take zones where the following considerations are met:

  Areas proposed for reservation should have a clear reason for the conferring of exclusive conservation status;
  
  Decision making must be transparent and the rationale for reservation clearly articulated;
  
  Stakeholder consultation should be extensive and outcomes from consultation clearly result in equitable outcomes between and for existing stakeholders;
  
  The area to be reserved should be as large as is needed to fulfil its stated purpose, but no larger;
  
  Areas to be reserved should add to aggregate reserved bio-diversity; that is, areas should not simply duplicate reserves with similar ecosystems already reserved elsewhere unless there are compelling reasons to so do;
  
  In areas for which reservation is proposed, but for which there is significant current recreational fisher usage, there will be an increased onus for the proposing agency to articulate the benefits to the wider community which would justify the loss of amenity to the existing recreational fishing stakeholder;
  Where possible, a loss of amenity in one or more areas of a marine park should be compensated for by the creation of recreational fishing zones in other suitable areas of the same or different parks; noting however the legitimate rights of other stakeholders;
  Increases to the conservation estate should come with new monies for management requirements, but, in any case, should not be supported from the existing budget of Fisheries WA.

• Taking into account the reservations expressed above, Recfishwest is pleased to participate in the planning of marine parks and expects to cooperate constructively in their management. We look forward to the equitable consideration of the needs of Western Australia's 600,000 recreational fishers in future marine park planning.

Commentary on Specific Statements contained in the Draft Plan

The following comments are offered on the few statements offered in the draft Plan in support of the zoning proposals:

• Section 4.3 - Values. Recfishwest notes the list of values and is broadly supportive thereof. However, the values are also true of a very many lower west coast marine areas and as such should not be construed to intrinsically support a case for no-take zones. In particular, we take issue with the statement that the West End contains a "unique mixture of tropical and temperate fauna and flora species". While this latter is no doubt true by definition, it is also true of a vast number of other West Coast habitats; for instance as in the Jurien area for which several sanctuary zone s are currently proposed. In the absence of a better rationale than a bland statement of 'uniqueness' Recfishwest objects to such being used as an argument for any specific area proposal;


• Section 2.3.3 Marine Zones. Recfishwest absolutely objects to the no-take and many of the 'no anchoring' proposals contained in this section. While there are suppositions made to support the arbitrary measures contained in the Plan, no evidence of any substance has been produced such as would warrant their fulfillment.


• Section 4.9.1 Recreational Fishing. This section claims that the proposed zoning is justified, despite the acknowledgement that the impacts of fishing are not known, on the basis that the 'precautionary principle' should apply. We contend that this is taking the principle to an absurd length - lock it up because something might happen. The Authority really has to do better than this!
  
  The most common species caught are herring and rock lobsters. Herring migrate from as far afield as South Australia and are not influenced by small reserves. Rock Lobster sustainability is well documented.
  
  Information provided from the Department of Fisheries indicates that no species are at risk in west coast waters although some areas of local depletion of some reef species may be occurring. In any case there is a keen ongoing debate as to whether sanctuary zones of the size proposed will have any broad beneficial impacts on stocks per se. At the same time, if the objective of the zoning strategy is to provide a benchmark assemblage of stocks as for a 'virgin' area, it may well be that the zones proposed are of inappropriate dimensions as well as possibly not being proposed for appropriate locations.


• Section 7.6.2 Issues Recfishwest would like to see the evidence that anchoring on limestone bottom habitats causes damage as this is not our understanding. This matter is important considering the extent of this habitat in the RIA zone.

Marine Zoning Submission Conclusion
Recfishwest considers the draft Plan to be totally unsatisfactory in respect to all aspects of the marine environment and facilities.

The draft Plan fails to make any credible case for the proposed marine zoning and the Authority has not taken the slightest trouble to garner the necessary community support. We understand that not only were the Department of Fisheries and CALM not consulted in the production of the draft Plan but neither was even the Authority's own Environmental Committee! This approach to planning is at best naive and, at worst, highly irresponsible.

Please note that the production of this draft Plan does not in itself constitute effective consultation - rather it represents a very clumsy short cut that has only served to greatly alienate many of the Authority's customers and at the same time set back the cause of Rottnest Island marine conservation by years.

Nevertheless, in an attempt to restore some commonsense to this issue, Recfishwest suggests that a senior level steering group be constituted comprising representatives from DoF, CALM, MPRA and key stakeholder groups. This committee would develop terms of reference for a proper community consultation process together with guiding principles for marine zoning that would promote a considered and deliberate approach to ensuring both conservation and appropriate use of the Rottnest heritage for future generations.


Draft Rottnest Island Management Plan 2002 - 20M

- Develop and implement a signage plan for Rottnest Island.

- Educate the visitor's to the Reserve on the Terrestrial Zoning Plan.

2.3.3 Marine Zones

2.3.3.1 Types of Zones

There are currently two no-fishing Zones within the marine portion of the Reserve: Kingston Reef and Parker Point Reef. In addition to these there are a number of other areas within the Marine Reserve that have special controls or restrictions, including areas where spearfishing is prohibited, areas where commercial fishing operations are excluded and areas where boating and anchoring are not permitted.

This Zoning Plan incorporates the continuation of the existing Zones, modifications to the management of some of these existing Zones and the development of additional Zones to provide further protection for marine resources and to minimise conflict between users of the Reserve.

The location of the proposed Marine Management Zones are described below and are illustrated in Chart 3. Areas that are existing Management Zones in the Reserve are indicated with an asterisk.
*Kingston Management Zone - the existing sanctuary Zone plus an extension to the southwest towards the Thomson Bay shoreline.
*Parker Point Management Zone - the existing Parker Point Sanctuary Zone protecting Pocillopora Reef.
Extension to Parker Point Management Zone - the Parker Point Management Zone is to be extended to the south and west of the Island's coast including that portion of the waters north of the line drawn between the southernmost point of the existing Parker Point Zone and the westernmost point of Mary Cove. This extended area contains three sub-zones which are:
Little Salmon Bay;
Salmon Bay, including Nancy Cove, Green Island and Kitson Point; and
Mary Cove.
West End Management Zone - generally the area from and including Mabel Cove to the easternmost point of Fish Hook Bay.
Little Armstrong Bay Management Zone - the area of Little Armstrong Bay bounded by a line from its westernmost point to the southernmost point of Armstrong Rock to North Point and along generally west along the high water mark back to the commencement point.
*Thomson Bay Management Zone - the existing no-boating areas in Thomson Bay adjacent to the shoreline.
*Kingstown Management Zone - the existing no-boating area in the vicinity of Kingstown Barracks, adjacent to the shoreline.
*Little Parakeet Bay Management Zone - the area of the existing no-boating and nodaylight fishing area adjacent to the shoreline.
*The Basin - the area of the existing no-boating and no-daylight fishing area adjacent to the shoreline in the Basin.
*Marjorie Pool Management Zone - the existing no-boating area of this small sand bottomed pool surrounded by the intertidal ledge.
*Geordie Bay Management Zone - the existing no-boating area adjacent to the shoreline in Geordie Bay.
*Longreach Bay Management Zone - the existing no-boating area adjacent to the shoreline in Longreach Bay.

Part B, Page 23

Parker Point to Salmon Point Management Zone

A Management Zone from Parker Point to Salmon point will be introduced to protect the fragile habitats in this area from fishing, boating and anchoring. It will also provide an area of the Island that can be appreciated by land-based visitors without the presence of boating activity.

Salmon Bay Management Zone

A Management Zone from Salmon Point to Kitson Point will be introduced to preserve a greater area of the Reserve's southern marine habitats. The area will be protected from fishing (with the exception of line fishing from the Green Island jetty that will still be permitted). Boating and anchoring will be permitted to allow access to diving, snorkelling, swimming and anchorage sites since this is one of the few areas on the south of the Island where boats are able to enter and anchor.

Mary Cove Management Zone

A Management Zone from Parker Point to Salmon point will be introduced to protect the fragile habitats in this area from fishing, boating and anchoring. It will also provide an area of the Island that can be appreciated by land-based visitors without the presence of boating activity.

West End Management Zone

A Zone around the western end of West End will be introduced in which no fishing will be permitted. Boating in this area will continue to be allowed. This Zone will provide protection for the highly significant and diverse marine fauna of West End (refer Part B, Chapter 4 Marine Environment).

Little Armstrong Management Zone

A northern no fishing Zone will be introduced in the waters of Little Armstrong Bay from Armstrong Point to North Point. This Zone is designed to protect the fragile limestone reef and intertidal ledge present in this area, and also to preserve a portion of the Island's northern marine habitats. There is currently no protected area on the northern coast of the island.

Thomson Bay, Kingstown. Basin, Geordie Bay. Longreach Bay Little Parakeet Bay and Marjorie Pool Management Zone

The existing Thomson Bay, Kingstown, Basin, Geordie Bay, Longreach, Little Parakeet Bay and Marjorie Pool Management Zones (located adjacent to the shorelines) will be managed to reduce user conflicts by providing areas for swimmers, divers and snorkellers, through the exclusion of fishing and boating.

Currently, no daylight fishing is permitted in Little Parakeet Bay and The Basin. There are no restrictions on fishing in the Thomson Bay, Kingstown, Geordie Bay and Longreach Bay. This Plan amends that situation, and prohibits daylight fishing in any of these Management Zones, to avoid the potential conflict that is created by fishing in popular swimming areas.

2.32,2 Recommendations

- Formalise and implement Marine Zones as described in Chart 3.
- Manage Marine Zones in accordance with management arrangements described in Table 2.


4.2.2 Marine Fauna

Rottnest Island's wide variety of habitats provides for a diverse marine fauna. A significant value of Rottnest Island's marine fauna is its unique mixture of tropical and temperate species in addition to several species endemic to Western Australia. This species mix is related to a variety of factors that influence the waters of Rottnest Island (Wells and Walker 1993).

West End is particularly important for illustrating this unique species diversity. A study of tropical/ temperate faunal ratios and their spatial variability on Rottnest Island and the mainland coast which used molluscan species as an indicator found that tropical species favour the west end of the Island over the east end (Wells, 1985). The distribution of tropical mollusc species at West End is unique to Perth. As these species are near to their southernmost distribution they are particularly susceptible to environmental disturbance (Wells, 1985).

It has been suggested that the zoogeographic importance of tropical species at Rottnest Island is a general feature not restricted to molluscs (Wells, 1985). The southward flowing Leeuwin Current is thought to be the mechanism allowing planktonic larvae of tropical species to reach Rottnest Island and survive. The Leeuwin Current tends to flow preferentially along the west-side of the Island, where the water is deep. This may account for the preference of tropical fauna species for West End.

The proposed Marine Zoning Plan, Chapter 2, provides protection to this unique mix of species by creating a no-fishing Management Zone around West End (Chapter 2 Reserve Zoning and Settlement Planning Scheme).

Currents are also thought to be the reason for the distinction between habitat and fauna types on the northern and southern coasts of Rottnest Island. It is noteworthy that there is no portion of the northern marine environment of the Reserve that is currently protected from various potential human-induced impacts. The proposed Marine Zoning Plan described in Chapter 2 amends this situation through the establishment of a no-fishing Management Zone in Little Armstrong Bay.

Coral Communities

The coral representation at Rottnest Island is diverse but not dense. Rottnest Island is the southern most location of the coral Pocillopora damicornis, located at Pocillopora Reef (southern coast near Salmon Point) (Hutchins, 1985, Wells et al 1993a, Wells et al 1993b). Another 25 species of coral have been recorded (Veron and Marsh 1988) with most present as isolated colonies.

The most diverse coral communities at Rottnest Island are located at the southern end of the Island, in particular Kitson Point, Salmon Point and Parker Point (Marsh 1985). In addition to Pocillopora, Rottnest Island is the southernmost limit of three other coral reefs (Porites, Alevopora and Oulophyllia) and two ahermatypic Tubastereai species (Marsh 1985). The areas from Parker Point to Salmon Point and from Nancy Cove to Kitson Point are also significant for the preservation of coral and but currently unprotected.

Coral reef areas are important habitats for many marine species, particularly as a nursery site for juvenile life forms. They also provide sites for breeding, reproduction, and protection for a diversity of marine organisms.

The Marine Zoning Plan proposes further protection to the southern coast habitats through the establishment of a no-fishing and no-boating area from Parker Point to Salmon Point, and in the waters of Mary Cove. The Marine Zoning Plan also proposes a no-fishing area from Kitson Point to Salmon Point (refer Part B, Chapter 2 - Reserve Zoning and Settlement Planning Scheme).



This page last updated on 29 December 2003.